Can I connect a turntable to any AV receiver?

Only if it has a dedicated phono input or your turntable has a built-in preamp. Connecting a turntable to a line-level input without preamp results in barely audible, thin sound.

Will a receiver phono stage match a standalone preamp?

For casual listening, built-in phono stages are perfectly adequate. Dedicated preamps ($100-300+) offer lower noise and more tonal options for serious vinyl enthusiasts.

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